LRAB Chapter 80 Heavenly Battle Invitation
Chapter 80 Heavenly Battle Invitation
Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with anticipation. Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar also showed longing expressions. Xiao Wu cheered, "That's great! I've wanted to go to Tiandou City for so long!"
"However," Yan Zu changed the subject, "once we arrive in Tiandou City, we need to carefully consider our identity and which academy we should join. Tiandou Royal Academy is undoubtedly the top choice, with abundant resources and a prestigious reputation..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ning Rongrong frowned: "The Heavenly Dou Royal Academy... it's good, but there are too many rules there, and with so many noble children, the atmosphere is actually quite rigid. My father wanted me to go there before, but I thought it was too stuffy."
Zhu Zhuqing also said coldly, "The same is true of the Royal Academy of Xingluo. Factions are everywhere, and there is a strong culture of competition. It is not very beneficial for pure cultivation."
Yan Zu smiled slightly: "That's exactly what I wanted to say next. We might not choose the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Everyone was taken aback and looked at him.
"There are three reasons," Yan Zu said, raising a finger. "First, as Rongrong and Zhuqing said, the academy's atmosphere is too aristocratic and politicized, which doesn't align with our pursuit of free cultivation and could easily draw us into unnecessary conflicts prematurely. Second, although we defeated their Royal Fighting Team today and later healed Dugu Yan, easing tensions, joining them now would inevitably draw criticism and could easily cause resentment among the Royal Fighting Team members, making it difficult for them to get along. Third, and most importantly—"
His gaze swept over his companions: "We, 'Dawn,' are a unified whole. Our combat system is unique and requires a great deal of autonomy and room for adjustment. Although the Heaven Dou Royal Academy has an enlightened mentor like Teacher Qin Ming, its overall teaching system may not be able to fully meet our needs and could even hinder our growth."
"Where do we go then?" Oscar asked. "Are there any other powerful academies in Heaven Dou City?"
"Yes." Yan Zu moved his finger across the map, pointing to an area within Tian Dou City, "Blue Tyrant Academy."
"Blue Tyrant Academy?" Ning Rongrong blinked. "I think I've heard of it. The dean is a very powerful female Soul Master, I think her name is Liu Erlong? I heard the academy's atmosphere is rather... well, free and unrestrained? They don't stick to any particular style when recruiting students, and the proportion of commoner Soul Masters is quite high."
"That's right." Yan Zu nodded. "Blue Tyrant Academy was founded by Liu Erlong, one of the Golden Iron Triangle's members, the Killing Horn. I've heard that although Dean Liu is fiercely independent, he's also upright and extremely protective of his students. Furthermore, the academy's management is relatively relaxed, focusing more on practical combat and personal development. Most importantly, it's located within Heaven Dou City, yet independent of the royal family and major sects, which might provide us with more freedom to grow. However…"
Yan Zu paused here, then continued, "However, it is said that Dean Liu Erlong has a close relationship with Yu Xiaogang and Flander, and the Golden Iron Triangle refers to these three."
When Yu Xiaogang and Flander were mentioned, Xiao Wu pursed her lips, and Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing's expressions were also somewhat subtle.
Yan Zu observed these reactions and pondered to himself: the free atmosphere of Blue Tyrant Academy and Liu Erlong's well-known protectiveness were exactly the kind of environment their "unconventional" team needed.
Blue Tyrant Academy neither curries favor with the powerful nor excludes commoners, making it one of the few peaceful places in Heaven Dou City. Other academies either have too many rules or complicated backstories. Rather than rashly choosing an unfamiliar one, it's better to visit Blue Tyrant Academy in person first.
He pulled himself together and said frankly, "Of course, we still need to investigate in person before making a final decision."
The following morning.
As expected, the Tian Dou Royal Team arrived. Qin Ming, who was in the lead, looked solemn. Yu Tianheng supported Dugu Yan, whose face was still a little pale but who could walk freely. Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Yu Feng, and Oslo followed closely behind, and even Ye Lingling quietly followed at the back.
Compared to their arrogance on the Soul Arena yesterday, the faces of the Royal Fighting Team members today were more complex, especially Yu Tianheng, whose eyes held gratitude, shame, and a hint of scrutiny.
The two took their seats in the hotel's reception room. Qin Ming, as the teacher, took the lead in expressing his formal gratitude and presented a generous gift prepared by the Heaven Dou Royal Academy—a Soul Crystal Card containing 10,000 Gold Soul Coins, as well as some precious medicinal herbs that could help strengthen the foundation and restore soul power.
"Young friend Yan Zu, I have no way to repay your life-saving grace. These are just a token of my gratitude. If there is any need in the future, the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy and I, Qin Ming, will certainly not refuse." Qin Ming's attitude was sincere. If it weren't for Yan Zu's intervention, and if anything had happened to Dugu Yan, Qin Ming couldn't even imagine what would have happened to them. After all, Dugu Bo's fearsome reputation was more impressive than his reputation.
Yan Zu did not refuse and readily accepted the gift: "Teacher Qin, you are too kind. I did my best. It is best that Senior Sister Dugu Yan is safe and sound."
Yu Tianheng also stood up immediately. This proud Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master bowed deeply and said, "Ancestor Yan, I am deeply grateful! I offended you yesterday and was short-sighted. I apologize for my shortcomings today! In the future, if you need anything, as long as it does not violate morality, Yu Tianheng will not hesitate to help you!" His tone was firm, and it was clear that the events of last night had greatly affected him.
Supported by Ye Lingling, Dugu Yan also gave a graceful bow, her voice soft yet clear: "Thank you, Yan, for saving my life. I was impetuous before, please forgive me." When she looked up at Yan Zu, her usual coldness and hostility were gone, replaced by genuine gratitude and a hint of curiosity.
Yan Zu accepted the greeting readily and then returned it: "Captain Tianheng, Senior Sister Dugu, you flatter me. Victory and defeat in sparring are common occurrences, and saving lives is the duty of a Soul Master. There's no need to worry about it."
After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Ming indeed revealed one of the most important reasons for his visit that day—an invitation.
"Young friend Yan Zu, your 'Dawn' team possesses exceptional talent, exquisite teamwork, and a unique philosophy—truly unparalleled in my life." Qin Ming's gaze was intense. "Would you be interested in joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy? With your abilities, I can directly recommend you to the academy's higher-ups, allowing you to enter the Royal Team's reserve squad, or even become regular members, enjoying the academy's top-tier resources. Representing the Heaven Dou Empire in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament—your future is limitless!"
This invitation is undeniably sincere. The Royal Fighting Team is the flagship of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy; direct entry means access to the best teachers, the best simulated training environment, the best channels for acquiring spirit rings, and immense prestige.
Yu Tianheng also looked at Yan Zu, his expression complex, but he still said, "Yan Zu, I, Yu Tianheng, admire your strength and character. If you and your teammates are willing to join, I, on behalf of the Royal Fighting Team, welcome you. We can learn from each other and improve together."
All eyes were on Yan Zu.
After a moment's thought, Yan Zu stood up and bowed respectfully to Qin Ming and Yu Tianheng: "Thank you for your kindness and invitation, Teacher Qin and Captain Tianheng. Tian Dou Royal Academy is renowned throughout the continent and has abundant resources. It is our honor to receive this invitation."
Qin Ming smiled, thinking that things had been settled.
(Thanks to reader Liu Yulin for the monthly ticket support)